Two G1 Steeplechase races among 71 stakes at Saratoga

Details: June 20, 2020; By SARA CAVANAGH

SARATOGA, N.Y.--Two G1 steeplechases, the A.P. Smithwick and the New York Turf Writers, are among 71 stakes worth $14.45 million, encompassing 39 graded stakes and 18 G1 races from Thursday, July 16 through Monday, Sept 7.

Racing Saratoga Saratoga race trackThe $100,000 Smithwick at 2 1/16 miles will be held on Thursday, July 23, and the $100,000 Turf Writers at 2 3/8 miles will be run on Thursday, Aug. 20.

Off the entries and the good racing at the first steeplechase meet of this Covid-19 year, there's plenty of enthusiasm for jump racing and a good number of top horses.

"We're thrilled to be racing at Saratoga this summer, and we thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support and the support of horsemen who have worked with us to navigate the many challenges," NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said. "While this will be anything but a traditional Saratoga season, we hope to provide a semblance of normalcy for both the local community as well as racing fans across the country."

Under current New York state guidelines, Saratoga Race Course will open on July 16 without spectators in attendance.

The 40-day meet will feature at least one stakes race every live racing day, highlighted by the 151st renewal of the G1, $1 million Travers on Aug. 8 and the G1, $750,000 Whitney on Aug. 1, as the anchors of two of the biggest racing days in North America.

AFTER opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays.

The Travers, traditionally contested at the end of August, will be held this year on Aug. 8 to properly account for the schedule adjustments and overall calendar for 3-year-olds in training due to the health and safety measures instituted to mitigate risk and combat the spread of COVID-19.

The "Mid-Summer Derby" will still be contested at 1 1/4 miles for the country's most talented 3-year-olds and is one of three G1 races on the day, joining the $300,000 Ballerina for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up going seven furlongs in a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

The day will also see sophomore fillies compete in the prestigious G1, $300,000 Test at seven furlongs.

The Saratoga meet will commence on Thursday, July 16 with a strong Opening Day card that includes the G3, $100,000 Peter Pan.

The 1 1/8-miles test for sophomores was moved from its traditional home at Belmont Park to the Spa.

Also on tap for the Saratoga opener is the G3, $100,000 Schuylerville for juvenile fillies going six furlongs.